Seven 2023 NFL Draft picks, five of them on defense, two coming in the first round in prized defenders Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith…and one emblazoned “A” grade for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Only one ’23 rookie, though, can claim NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Time to ask, which one of the Eagles’ newcomers is most capable of holding that crown, and which one is walking into a scenario with the best chance of snatching DROY?
Jalen Carter’s Big Deal Comes With High Expectations
Already the Eagles’ first overall pick at No. 9 overall is signed on, as Carter inked his four-year, $21.8 million deal on Friday. Carter becomes the first from the draft’s Day 1 class to sign his deal.
He’s coming into Philly to replace the Eagles’ “Gravedigger” — as Javon Hargrave is off to the NFC runner-up San Francisco 49ers. But can the Eagles’ new No. 98 bury quarterbacks in the fashion of Hargrave?
Carter, at 6-foot-3, 315 pounds, already has a one-inch height upgrade over Hargrave. His cleats appear to secretly come with a rocket boost — as Carter enters the league with one of the more explosive get-offs among the draft class of defenders. He then attacks with a step-and-swim move to get opposing guards looking back at him — then watching their quarterback and running back get planted to the ground.
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Carter has the speed and hand power for the spot Hargrave bequeaths. Time will tell if he ends up becoming better than Hargrave. But for him to snatch DROY, he’s got history on his side.
The last interior defender to win the award was Aaron Donald in 2014. The award has since gone to edge rushers, linebackers, and cornerbacks. Carter has the chance to break that current dry spell.
But then comes this next part for Carter on the field. Will it be the pass-rush room, including his Georgia teammate Nolan Smith, who’ll free him up to lead the Eagles in sacks? Or is this defense tailored made for the relentlessly quick Smith to claim DROY?
Smith Could Command Less Attention, Leading to Top Sack Numbers
Smith gets more than one benefit walking into this Eagles defense. For starters, Haason Reddick is opposite of him. After that are Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham. That’s three guys with 38 sacks between them last season.
Three double-digit sack masters, the increased likelihood of two blockers fixated on them once they’re on the field…and the elevated chances Smith’s 4.39 speed in the 40-yard dash will only draw one solo blocking attempt. Smith is walking into a deep position room, but one where he could draw less attention as teams will be fixated on the 16-sack All-Pro Reddick, as well as Graham and Sweat.
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Then to boot, Smith has the luxury of having Carter next to him. They can come in handy on designed stunts like this one from their Georgia days.
Whose Environment Is Pointing Towards Claiming the Award?
For Carter, he has to feel the most pressure between him and his fellow Bulldog.
It’s one thing being a top-10 pick, but he’s replacing one of the top interior rushers in the game right away. In diving deeper, this Eagles interior additionally lost veterans Linval Joseph and Ndamukong Suh. Carter is facing becoming a guy who has to set the tone and carry the IDL room right away.
Smith, meanwhile, is walking into the best environment with Philadelphia — one where to reiterate, has three double-digit sack artists who would be pass-rush cornerstones on any other team.
Both are game-changing defenders for a stacked defense. Smith, though, has three benefits compared to Carter in the form of the aforementioned edge rushers. Signs point to an enticing battle for DROY, but Smith becoming the fourth edge rusher since 2016 to end up with the prestigious honor.
